Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), uses red and infrared laser light to penetrate tissues, where cells absorb the light energy to promote healing. Each painless session increases circulation, bringing water, oxygen, and nutrients to damaged areas to create an optimal healing environment. This process reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain, ultimately restoring normal function and relieving pain.

No- it does not hurt.  You might feel a soothing warm sensation in the area.  Acute swollen areas might feel a little sensitive immediately after the session, but then begin to feel better.

In over twenty years of global use by healthcare providers, Class IV laser therapy has shown minimal side effects. In some cases, old injuries or pain conditions may feel temporarily aggravated for a few days, as the body’s healing response becomes more active after treatment.

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment, and most patients experience a soothing, relaxing sensation during the session. Occasionally, the treated area may feel slightly warm, but the therapy is always comfortable and never painful

Many patients notice an improvement, often a reduction in pain, after their very first laser therapy session. However, for some, it may take a few treatments to feel the effects. This doesn’t mean the therapy isn’t working—each session builds on the last, with noticeable results typically appearing after 3 or 4 sessions.

Yes, laser therapy can safely be used over metal implants. The light from the laser is simply reflected off metal surfaces, so patients with metal surgical clips, joint replacements, scoliosis rods, or other implants can confidently receive laser therapy treatments.

No, materials like casts, bandages, taping, or clothing will block the laser light entirely. In some cases, a small hole can be cut in a cast to allow direct laser application. For bandages or taping, it’s best to apply the laser directly to the skin when they are changed.

The frequency and number of laser therapy sessions depend on the condition being treated. Acute conditions, especially those with significant pain, may benefit from daily treatments initially, while chronic issues respond better to 2 to 3 sessions per week, gradually tapering to once every week or two as improvement continues. Generally, acute conditions may require 4 to 6 treatments, while chronic conditions may need 6 to 12 or more sessions. For more persistent conditions like severe arthritis, ongoing periodic care may be necessary to manage pain effective

The primary contraindication is to avoid directing the laser beam into the eyes. Relative contraindications include the following:

• Thyroid gland
• Spinal cord stimulators
• Recent steroid injections
• Pregnancy
• Active cancer

Laser therapy is considered safe and can be applied directly over metal implants and joint replacements.

If you wish to apply ice, do so before the laser treatment. Class IV laser therapy increases blood circulation and lymphatic flow, while ice causes vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow—using ice after treatment would counteract the benefits. Heat, on the other hand, can be applied after laser therapy if clinically beneficial. Laser therapy promotes vasodilation and increased blood flow, so adding heat may help extend these effects.

Laser therapy is non-invasive and uses non-ionizing light, making it an extremely safe treatment option. Class IV laser therapy, used for photobiomodulation, is among the safest modalities in healthcare. Occasionally, patients may experience mild achiness or soreness in the treated area, often due to increased blood flow and the release of toxins from tissues. It’s helpful to inform patients of this possibility before their first session and reassure them that any mild soreness is a positive sign indicating beneficial changes in the tissues, with no tissue damage involved.